State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution (SKLLE) was founded in 2004, and inherited its major parts from the predecessor “Laboratory of Lithosphere Tectonic Evolution” that was founded in 1989. The SKLLE aims to leading the international research frontiers and serving the national strategic demands. The SKLLE focuses on the key geological events and records, integrates the new geological, geophysical, and geochemical theories, and arms with self-developed technologies and facilities to unravel the nature and processes of lithospheric evolution including its formation, converges, divergence, and reworking. The results provide solid evidence on interacting processes and mechanisms between different layers of the Earth, and will have innovative contributions for Earth system science.